Applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers is one of the essentials in eliminating nicotine from the system. We must therefore stop tobacco use by all means
Nicotine is the major ingredient in tobacco that causes serious health complications in all smokers whether directly or indirectly. Any effort tailored at eliminating nicotine is a healthy one and must be supported by all means. For that reason we are going to focus our discussion on the applications of nicotine replacement products by smokers. To help us in the discussion we are going to be talking to one of the most respected addiction expert doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. It will interest you to note that doctor Akoury has been in practice for more than two decades now and her input in this discussion is one that you do not want to miss.
Nicotine replacement products deliver measured doses of nicotine into the body, which helps to relieve the cravings and withdrawal symptoms often felt by people trying to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement products are effective treatments that can increase the likelihood that someone will quit successfully. The following are some of the nicotine replacement products that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
The nicotine patch – this is available over the counter (without a prescription). A new patch is worn on the skin each day, supplying a small but steady amount of nicotine to the body. The nicotine patch is sold in varying strengths, usually as an 8- to 10-week quit-smoking treatment. Typically, the nicotine doses are gradually lowered as treatment progresses. The nicotine patch may not be a good choice for people with skin problems or allergies to adhesive tape. Also, some people experience the side effect of having vivid dreams when they wear the patch at night. These people may decide to wear the patch only during the daytime.
Nicotine gum – this is available over the counter in two strengths (2 and 4 milligrams). When a person chews nicotine gum and then places the chewed product between the cheek and gum tissue, nicotine is released into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. To keep a steady amount of nicotine in the body, a new piece of gum can be chewed every 1 or 2 hours. The 4-milligram dose appears to be more effective among highly dependent smokers (those who smoked 20 or more stick of cigarettes per day). Nicotine gum might not be appropriate for people with temporomandibular joint disease or for those with dentures or other dental work, such as bridges. The gum releases nicotine more effectively when coffee, juice, or other acidic beverages are not consumed at the same time.
The nicotine lozenge – this is also available over the counter in 2 and 4 milligram strengths. The lozenge is used similarly to nicotine gum; it is placed between the cheek and the gums and allowed to dissolve. Nicotine is released into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. The lozenge works best when used every 1 or 2 hours and when coffee, juice, or other acidic beverages are not consumed at the same time.
Nicotine nasal spray – this is made available only on prescription. The spray comes in a pump bottle containing nicotine that tobacco users can inhale when they have an urge to smoke. Nicotine is absorbed more quickly via the spray than with other nicotine replacement products. Nicotine nasal spray is not recommended for people with nasal or sinus conditions, allergies, or asthma or for young tobacco users. Side effects from the spray include sneezing, coughing, and watering eyes, but these problems usually go away with continued use of the spray.
A nicotine inhaler – this is also available by prescription only, delivers a vaporized form of nicotine to the mouth through a mouthpiece attached to a plastic cartridge. Even though it is called an inhaler, the device does not deliver nicotine to the lungs the way a cigarette does. Most of the nicotine travels only to the mouth and throat, where it is absorbed through the mucous membranes. Common side effects include throat and mouth irritation and coughing. Anyone with a breathing problem such as asthma should use the nicotine inhaler with caution.
Experts recommend combining nicotine replacement therapy with advice or counseling from a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Also, experts suggest that smokers quit using tobacco products before they start using nicotine replacement products. Too much nicotine can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, or rapid heartbeat.
Safety is one element that must be above board before any medication or product is allowed for treatment administration. Therefore before nicotine replacement products are allowed into the market, they a must be taken to test to ensure that safety standards are not compromised in anyway. Therefore we can now confirm to you that these products are safe and less harmful for a person to get nicotine from than from cigarettes because tobacco smoke contains many toxic and cancer-causing substances. It is also important to appreciate that long-term use of nicotine replacement products has not been associated with any serious harmful effects thereby crediting their safety and comfort for usage.
Finally some people often claim that alternative approaches such as hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy (laser stimulation of acupuncture points on the body), or electro-stimulation may help reduce the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. Nonetheless and according to clinical studies conducted, these alternative therapies have not been found to help people quit smoking as may be proclaimed in the streets. Professionally there is no evidence that alternative approaches help smokers who are trying to quit says doctor Akoury. It is therefore important that when bothered by your smoking habit and you want to quit, if you are not sure on where to start from, we are always there for you at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center any time any day. All you have to do is to schedule for an appointment with us and we will not hesitate to professionally attend to all your addiction concerns within the most reasonable time limit and at an affordable rates.
